To level or not to level?

The Forks Township Board of Supervisors will answer that question regarding the fate of the controversial "Cottage in the Woods" at its Sept. 20 meeting.

After six months of contemplating, Forks officials say time is ticking now for them to decide whether to save and refurbish the Zucksville Road cottage or have the quaint township-owned home face a wrecking ball.

"We've got to make a decision soon," Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said. "So I think Sept. 20. If we're going to do something to save it, we better start now."

Supervisor David Billings expressed concern about the battering the mold-riddled cottage will face during the winter if left untouched without measures in place to protect it.

Billings, along with other township officials, fear that the mold will get worse if the cottage isn't sealed up.

Before the township takes that step though, officials need to decide if it's worth spending money to repair and refurbish the structure, which dates to the 1940s.

Eli Reismeier, president of the Save the Cottage Committee, said she would present a plan at that meeting of how much money could be raised from public donations.

"Are we talking $100 or $10,000?" Supervisor John O'Neil said. "It's hard for me. Leveling is the last thing we want to do. But if we have something from a financial standpoint, then that would help me make a decision."